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MSD Pro-Billet Dual Pickup Chevrolet

V8 Distributor

PN 8356

Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.

Parts Included:

1 - Pro-Billet Distributor

1 - Rotor, PN 8467

1 - Distributor Cap, PN 8433

1 - Wire Retainer

2 - 1.5" Self Tapping Screws

Note: The terminals of this Distributor require spark plug style terminals. You may need to change

the terminals and boots of your wires. MSD offers two kits, PN 8849 or PN 8848, that are supplied

with nine boots and terminals.

Note: If the gear is ever replaced, an MSD Gear is required for replacement due to the .500" diameter

shaft. PN 8531 is iron, PN 8471 is bronze.

Note: An MSD Ignition Control must be used with each pickup.

TIMING FUNCTIONS

Before continuing with the installation, here are a few deﬁnitions you should be aware of:

Initial Timing: This is the base timing (also referred to as idle timing) of the engine before the

centrifugal advance begins.

Centrifugal Advance: The centrifugal (or mechanical) advance mechanism is made up of weights,

springs, advance cams, and an advance stop bushing. The amount and rate of advance that your

distributor is capable of is determined by the centrifugal timing. If you ever wish to lock out the

centrifugal advance, refer to the centrifugal advance section.

Total Timing: This is the total of th e initial timing plus th e centrifugal advance added together.

Example: 10° Initial + 25° centrifugal = 35° Total Timing. (When checking Total timing, disconnect

the vacuum canister and plug the vacuum source.)

Note: MSD Distributors are supplied with the heavy (slow) advance springs installed. This is to

prevent detonation in certain applications. Review the information on pages 2-4 to determine

the best advance curve for your application.

WARNING: Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When

disconnecting the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable

ﬁrst and install it last.

2 - 10-32 x 3/4" Socket Head Screws

1 - Advance Kit

1 - Gasket

1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant

2 - O -Rings

M S D • W W W . M S D P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M • ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

Summary of content (8 pages)

PAGE 1
MSD Pro-Billet Dual Pickup Chevrolet V8 Distributor PN 8356 Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation. Parts Included: 1 - Pro-Billet Distributor 1 - Rotor, PN 8467 1 - Distributor Cap, PN 8433 1 - Wire Retainer 2 - 1.5" Self Tapping Screws 2 - 10-32 x 3/4" Socket Head Screws 1 - Advance Kit 1 - Gasket 1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant 2 - O-Rings WARNING: Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables.
PAGE 2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE The function of the advance curve is to match the ignition timing to the burning rate of the fuel and speed (rpm) of the engine. Any factor that changes the burning rate of the fuel or the engine speed can cause a need for an ignition timing change. Figure 1 shows some of the factors that will affect engine timing.
PAGE 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3 CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS Timing Curve From Factory The rate, or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs which are installed on the distributor. The MSD distributors are equipped with two Heavy Silver springs installed. These will give you the slowest advance curve possible (Figure 2). The parts kit contains two additional sets of springs which can be used to match the advance curve to your particular application.
PAGE 4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS SELECTING THE ADVANCE STOP BUSHING BUSHING SIZE Red-Smallest Silver Blue Black-Largest Three different advance stop bushings are supplied in the distributor kit. The distributor comes with a Blue (21°) bushing already installed. If a different amount of centrifugal advance is desired, follow the next procedure to change the bushings. The chart in Figure 5 gives the size and approximate degrees for the corresponding bushings.
PAGE 5
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 5 ADJUSTING THE SLIP COLLAR Before installing the Pro-Billet Distributor, the slip collar adjustment must be set, follow this procedure. 1. Install the gasket on the housing then loosen the slip collar and insert the distributor into the engine until it bottoms out against the oil pump drive. 2. After it bottoms out, raise the distributor 0.010" - 0.030" then slide the slip collar down into position and tighten it.
PAGE 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR 1. Remove the existing distributor cap without disconnecting any of the spark plug wires. 2. With the cap off, crank the engine until the rotor is aimed at a fixed point on the engine or firewall. Note this position by making a mark (Figure 9). 3. Place the distributor cap back on and note which plug wire the rotor is pointing to. MARK THE SPARK PLUG WIRES and remove the distributor cap. 4.
PAGE 7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 7 Figure 12 Wiring with MSD 6TN, 6ALN, or 6-HVC Ignition Controls.
PAGE 8
TECH NOTES _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________